Is finding a new job one of your New Year’s resolutions? As workers return to their old roles after the festive break, many are ready to make a fresh start. January is the busiest week of the year for job applications, and we’re here to guide you through the top sectors to target in 2024.
Sector Spotlight: Haulage and Logistics
With 34,000 vacancies in the transport and storage sector, finding work is fast and doesn’t necessarily require a driving job. Campaign group generationlogistics.org is highlighting various roles available, including HR, AI, and marketing. They also provide additional support for under-represented groups, such as young people, women, and people from ethnic minority backgrounds. The Department for Work & Pensions offers specialist training and works with major employers to secure interviews. Reach out to your local Jobcentre to check your eligibility and apply.
Sector Spotlight: Health and Social Care
The UK’s aging population has created a growing demand for staff in roles across the health and social care sector, including residential care homes and in-home carers. There are approximately 4.3 million people already working in this sector, but there are still 175,000 urgent vacancies. Job seekers interested in these roles can gain hands-on experience through free, sector-based work academy programs. These programs help you gain the right skills and offer support with job applications.
Sector Spotlight: Digital
Digital roles are growing four times faster than the overall workforce, with ten percent of all jobs now classified as “tech.” There are currently 43,000 vacancies in the information and communication sector, and experts predict that the UK has the potential to create an additional 3 million jobs by 2025.
Sector Spotlight: Hospitality
Despite there being more than 2.1 million people working in the hospitality industry, there are still 116,000 job opportunities available. The Department for Work & Pensions has launched an employment scheme in collaboration with key employers, including Greene King, Marriott, and Hilton. The scheme matches job seekers with hospitality roles, providing fast-track training and work experience for Universal Credit claimants. Visit hospitalityrising.org to discover how fast you can climb the career ladder in this industry.
Sector Spotlight: Construction
The construction industry, with its 1.3 million-strong workforce, has 34,000 roles waiting to be filled. This industry offers not only frontline jobs but also dozens of support positions in areas such as finance, sales, and procurement. The Department for Work & Pensions is working with major organizations, including HS2 and Hinkley Point, to help job hunters find roles that suit them.
Bag Your Top Role in 2024
To secure your dream job in 2024, consider following these insider secrets shared by Charlotte Turner, a recruiter with 20 years of experience:
- Establish your non-negotiables early: Know what is most important to you in terms of salary, company benefits, and working arrangements.
- Rebrand yourself: Mold yourself into the perfect candidate by showcasing your skills and past experiences that are applicable to the role and industry you’re applying for. Tailor your CV for each job application.
- Gain qualifications: If your dream job requires additional skills or responsibilities that you don’t have experience in, seek out relevant courses and gain industry-recognized qualifications.
- Network the room: Personal connections are key, so build relationships with people already working in your desired sector. Make connections online and network with individuals who can teach you a lot about the industry. Stay updated on the key areas of interest and expand your knowledge and network accordingly.
- Engage with recruitment agencies: The right recruiter can help you get your foot in the door. They have exclusive information about the skills you need and can provide advice on how to present yourself and the qualifications you require for success.
Be a Savvy Saviour
Consider a job that helps vulnerable people get their finances under control. Government-backed Money Wellness is recruiting debt advisers to guide and advise those in financial difficulty. Training is provided, and 91 percent of managers have been promoted internally. To find out more, email hr@moneywellness.com.
Pup-ular Earner
If you have empty-nesters heading off to college or starting new jobs, consider caring for guide dog puppies or fostering older ones in training. According to a poll by the charity Guide Dogs, three in five empty-nesters said having a dog eased their loneliness. Volunteering in this role provides daily purpose and energy focus for widower Paul Hinck, who is partially sighted. Find out more at tinyurl.com/yyksuwuj.
For more job opportunities, visit F5mag.com. Happy job hunting in 2024!
Jobspot: The Works has 40 job openings for retail staff, ranging from sales assistants to managers. Search for opportunities at theworks.jobs.